Nablus Institutions Warn of a Severe Financial Crisis Threatening An-Najah National University Hospital

SadaNews - Institutions in Nablus Governorate have warned of a severe financial crisis threatening the continuity of medical services and affecting the healthcare sector in Nablus Governorate, amid escalating debts owed to the government, which have directly impacted the performance of the health sector, particularly at An-Najah National University Hospital, which is facing the risk of closure if this crisis continues.

This came during a meeting held by the institutions with the hospital's Board of Trustees and its executive management, where the critical financial situation and its implications for the services provided to patients were discussed.

The hospital's executive management reported that the total financial dues owed by the government are estimated at about 734 million shekels to date; and no amount has been paid by the government in the last three months, leading to a halt in the supply of medicines and medical supplies.

It noted that the hospital has exhausted all possible financing solutions, including reaching the maximum limit of borrowing from banks.

It added that the Ministry of Health heavily relies on the quality services of An-Najah Hospital in its transfers, as An-Najah Hospital is considered one of the most advanced medical centers in providing these services across Palestine.

This situation has caused a severe shortage of medicines, leading the hospital's executive management to request the Board of Trustees to stop receiving new cases and continue providing treatment for existing and emergency life-saving cases only.

Nablus Governorate includes seven main hospitals and is considered a national medical reference in the West Bank.

The meeting included all institutions from Nablus Governorate, represented by the Governor of Nablus, the Mayor of Nablus, the Chairman of the Nablus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chairman of the Northern Electricity Company, the President of the Solidarity Charity Association, the President of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, the Chairman of the Nablus Businessmen Forum, the Chairman of the Medical Relief Society, the Head of the Doctors' Syndicate in Nablus, and several other notable figures.

The attendees agreed that the Governor of Nablus should urgently address the government to find realistic and immediate solutions, before this crisis leads to a complete halt in medical services at the hospital.